French Open: Popov Makes History
Published: Oct 25, 2025
Arthur Jones
Writer
Christo Popov became the first Frenchman to reach the semifinals of a home tournament in 79 years, sweeping aside Chi Yu Jen 21-13 21-7 in a dominant display on quarterfinals day of the YONEX French Open 2025.
The last French men’s singles player to reach the business end of a home event was Henri Bellizza in 1946, making Popov’s achievement a landmark moment for French badminton.
From the opening exchanges at the Glaz Arena, Popov was in the driving seat, maintaining a good cushion of points throughout each game that allowed him to dictate proceedings. His opponent’s attempts to force a comeback only played into the Frenchman’s hands. “I think I was a bit more aggressive and accurate. He made some mistakes and tried to get back into it because I was leading for most of the match,” Popov explained.
A brief fightback from the Taipei shuttler at the start of the second game proved nothing more than a false dawn as Popov quickly reasserted his authority. “Yesterday’s match (round of 16) was more about being solid on court and making it tough for my opponent,” he said, adding that “today was for me to create the game and create the opportunities and go for it.”
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd provided the perfect fuel for Popov’s fire. “It’s amazing to play at home and having the crowd cheer for me, giving me energy and feeding fire in the legs,” he beamed, emphasising how much easier the support made his task.
Popov is confident in his abilities in the semifinals. “I definitely think I can win.”
Standing in his way is Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who battled past Alwi Farhan 21-14 16-21 21-8. The Thai star has made a habit of getting the better of Farhan this year, winning all three of their encounters. “Sometimes when they’re juniors, they’re in a hurry to close the gap,” Vitidsarn said, reflecting on the key difference between the pair.
The physical toll of a long season is beginning to show on Vitidsarn, who admitted he was “feeling tired” after a runner-up finish at the Arctic Open and a quarterfinal exit at last week’s Denmark Open.
“I’m very happy and I think this has been a good season,” said the World No.2.
When asked about being a top player, he revealed his mental approach. “I focus on my mentality and my performance,” he explained, though he playfully kept his exact methods under wraps when pressed further, admitting: “I don’t have any secrets, I don’t know.”
Popov and Vitidsarn will meet for their sixth dual in favour of the Thai, 3-2.
From the opening exchanges at the Glaz Arena, Popov was in the driving seat, maintaining a good cushion of points throughout each game that allowed him to dictate proceedings. His opponent’s attempts to force a comeback only played into the Frenchman’s hands. “I think I was a bit more aggressive and accurate. He made some mistakes and tried to get back into it because I was leading for most of the match,” Popov explained.
A brief fightback from the Taipei shuttler at the start of the second game proved nothing more than a false dawn as Popov quickly reasserted his authority. “Yesterday’s match (round of 16) was more about being solid on court and making it tough for my opponent,” he said, adding that “today was for me to create the game and create the opportunities and go for it.”
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd provided the perfect fuel for Popov’s fire. “It’s amazing to play at home and having the crowd cheer for me, giving me energy and feeding fire in the legs,” he beamed, emphasising how much easier the support made his task.
Popov is confident in his abilities in the semifinals. “I definitely think I can win.”
Standing in his way is Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who battled past Alwi Farhan 21-14 16-21 21-8. The Thai star has made a habit of getting the better of Farhan this year, winning all three of their encounters. “Sometimes when they’re juniors, they’re in a hurry to close the gap,” Vitidsarn said, reflecting on the key difference between the pair.
The physical toll of a long season is beginning to show on Vitidsarn, who admitted he was “feeling tired” after a runner-up finish at the Arctic Open and a quarterfinal exit at last week’s Denmark Open.
“I’m very happy and I think this has been a good season,” said the World No.2.
When asked about being a top player, he revealed his mental approach. “I focus on my mentality and my performance,” he explained, though he playfully kept his exact methods under wraps when pressed further, admitting: “I don’t have any secrets, I don’t know.”
Popov and Vitidsarn will meet for their sixth dual in favour of the Thai, 3-2.
